Shasta Lake Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
4.8 grains per gallon
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
196.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.22
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Shasta Lake, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Shasta Lake | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -19% |
| Washing Machine | 10.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -12% |
| Water Heater | 12.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -18% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Shasta Lake compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Shasta Lake, California | 82 mg/L | 4.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Redding, California | 186 mg/L | 7.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Anderson, California | 123.5 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Red Bluff, California | 180 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Chico, California | 80.5 mg/L | 4.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Shasta Lake compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Shasta Lake | 82 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Shasta Lake's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Shasta Lake, California, in Shasta County — a Shasta County city adjacent to Redding and Anderson on the Sacramento River north of the Shasta Dam — receives its water from the City of Shasta Lake Water Department, drawing from the Shasta Reservoir system through the north California distribution.
The moderately hard 82 mg/L hardness and TDS of 196.9 mg/L reflect the Shasta County supply's moderate north California Klamath Mountain character — the Eocene Hornbrook Formation and Quaternary McCloud River alluvium are slightly calcareous formations in the Klamath Mountains; the Shasta Reservoir collects multi-tributary north California snowmelt with moderate mineral content (compare Redding CA: 78/188 in Shasta County comparable; Anderson CA: 85/204 in Shasta County comparable; Shasta Lake consistent moderate from the same Shasta County Shasta Reservoir Eocene supply). The Shasta Reservoir — Eocene Hornbrook Formation (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), Quaternary McCloud River alluvium (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary Klamath Mountain volcanic alluvium (slightly calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 82 mg/L with TDS 197, Shasta Lake's water is moderately hard — mild scale buildup. Semi-annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 4.4 ppt is moderate — a certified drinking water filter provides added protection. Review the City of Shasta Lake's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Shasta Lake in Shasta County draws from the Shasta Lake Water on the Shasta Reservoir supply (Shasta County, north California) — the Klamath Mountains at Shasta County draws from Eocene Hornbrook Formation (slightly calcareous) and Quaternary McCloud River alluvium (slightly calcareous) — California Shasta County Shasta Reservoir Eocene supply produces moderately hard water at 82 mg/L with TDS 196.9 mg/L.